At First Law Solicitors, we provide expert, compassionate, and strategic legal support for families seeking to bring their children to study at leading UK independent schools. The Child Student Visa allows children aged 4 to 17 to receive their education at institutions that hold a valid Student Sponsor Licence.
Based in Manchester and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA ID No: 665823), our firm assists parents and guardians across the globe. We combine deep technical knowledge of the UK Immigration Rules: Appendix Child Student with an understanding of the emotional, educational, and logistical needs that shape each family’s long-term immigration plan.
The Child Student Visa enables international children to pursue full-time study at an independent, fee-paying school in the United Kingdom. It does not apply to state schools or academies.
To qualify, the child must hold an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor, demonstrate sufficient financial support for tuition and living costs, and have appropriate care arrangements while in the UK.
Our solicitors manage every stage of the process from securing the school’s sponsorship documentation to preparing financial and welfare evidence that meets the Home Office’s standards of proof.
Applicants must be aged between 4 and 17 years.
The sponsoring school must issue a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) confirming the course, tuition fees, and duration. The CAS is the foundation of the application and must be issued by a licensed sponsor under Appendix Child Student.
Following the 11 November 2025 Statement of Changes, the Home Office revised the living-cost and maintenance requirements.
Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, and the final transaction date must fall within 31 days before the visa application.
Our firm prepares a detailed financial evidence pack that meets Appendix Finance requirements, including sponsor letters, bank documentation, and guardianship confirmations.
For children under 12 years old, a parent or legal guardian must either accompany the child on a Parent of a Child Student Visa or provide certified care arrangements with a UK-based guardian.
Children aged 12 or older are normally expected to attend boarding school or reside with a registered guardian. The parent’s right to remain under the Parent of a Child Student route ends once the child turns 12. We ensure your family’s immigration pathway transitions smoothly as your child progresses through their education.
The length of stay depends on the child’s age and course duration.
Children aged 16 or 17 may work part-time during term (up to 10 hours per week) and full-time during holidays, subject to safeguarding rules.
All Child Student Visa applications are completed online via the Home Office’s MyHMCTS platform. In compliance with the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, applicants complete Digital ID Verification (IDV) and sign documents using Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) where required.
From 1 January 2026, physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are no longer issued. Children now receive digital eVisas, accessible through their UKVI online account, allowing schools and parents to verify status instantly.
Our firm manages every digital step, ensuring secure submission, identity validation, and real-time compliance with the UK’s data protection framework.
Parents of children under 12 may apply for a Parent of a Child Student Visa. Only one parent can accompany the child, and the visa remains valid only until the child reaches age 12. After that, the parent must either leave the UK or switch to another eligible immigration category, while the child transitions to a boarding arrangement or alternative care.
We coordinate both applications to ensure continuity of residence and compliance with the Home Office’s dependency rules.
Applications are often refused because of insufficient financial documentation, errors in CAS details, or care arrangements that do not meet the Home Office’s welfare standards.
At First Law Solicitors, we anticipate these risks early. We liaise directly with sponsor schools, verify all evidence, and prepare structured representations that pre-empt Home Office concerns. For families facing refusals, we provide immediate Administrative Review and appeal strategies through the First-tier Tribunal.
Specialist Oversight: Each case is led by a solicitor experienced in education-linked immigration.
Digital Compliance: All submissions comply with the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, ensuring privacy and digital integrity.
Future-Focused Planning: We design a pathway that anticipates transitions from the Parent route to adult Student or Skilled Worker routes.
Proactive Communication: We maintain direct contact with schools, guardians, and families to ensure your child’s immigration status remains valid at all times.
We provide complete legal assurance that your child’s education in the UK is supported by strong legal foundations and future-proof strategy.
If you wish to secure a UK visa for your child to study at an independent school, contact First Law Solicitors today for expert guidance and representation.
Call 0044 161 224 4066
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